Kohala Lighthouse Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on offer for the Big Island over the next couple of weeks.

To be honest with you, the start of this outlook is a bit of a bummer. From now right through until the end of July, the trade winds have got a nasty cross-shore hook in them, blowing fresh and strong. It's not looking great for clean waves. The water temp is sitting around 80°, which is about average for this time of year, so at least you won't need a hood.

The only spot firing on any cylinder here is Kohala Lighthouse, a solid advanced reef break that needs a North swell to really line up. Over the next week, the swell is coming straight from the ENE, which isn't its optimum direction, and the wave energy is moderate at best. The combined energy sits around a few hundred during the first week, peaking at 618 on Saturday the 18th, but those 8-second period waves with a fresh cross-shore wind (22 mph) are going to be lumpy and pretty unappealing. It's a consistent spot, but honestly, the conditions are just poor for paddle surfing. If you’re into kite surfing, the setup here might look more interesting.

We do have a glimmer of hope on the long-range forecast, but it’s a bit of a tease. Around Sunday the 26th and into the 27th, the swell direction finally swings around to the East, which is a better match, and the period jumps up to a very long 16 seconds. The combined energy rockets up into the thousands (2026 on the 26th), which is strong. However, it’s still accompanied by a fresh 19 mph cross-shore wind. The forecast calls the surf "marginal," which is a step up from "poor," but it's still a long shot. The size is around 6 ft with that long period, so it's going to be powerful and probably better suited for a point break or reef than a beach, but the wind will still mess it up.

After that little window, it's back to small, weak, and windy. The swell drops right off into August, with heights around 3 ft and energy fading away. Essentially, there's a big gap of poor conditions from now until the 26th, then a brief, wind-affected chance, and then another lull.

Honestly, for the first week, and most of the second, it's a washout. That short window around the 26th and 27th is the only time I'd even look at the water, and even then, you're betting on the wind laying down. It’s tough out there.

Stay safe, Rusty.

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